Bingley Grammar School pupil Sam Bilham is hoping to make a bigger impact in the Formula 1000 Junior Rally Championship.

The 16-year-old competed in the series last year, when his best finish was fifth, but now, with a year's experience behind him and more car development, the Year 11 pupil is targeting a race win, and even the championship itself in a current field of 16 drivers.

The series, which is for drivers aged between 14 and 17, has ten rounds, begining this weekend with The Roskirk Stages in Lancashire, the final round being in Lincolnshire in November, In between, the championship will visit north and south Wales, the Midlands, and Suffolk.

All the events are run under the close scrutiny of The Motor Sports' Association and all competitors have to have been assesed and licenced to take part.

The championship features cars such as Nissan Micras, Toyota Yarises and Citroen C1s, which are all of a basic standard with only minor modifications allowed to suspension and brakes.

They are all equipped with roll cages, competition seats, fire extighuishers and full-harness seat belts, and all of the cars are using Yokohama tyres.

Sam, who lives in Bingley, has always been interested in motor sport, starting driving when he was eight, having been brought up with it as his father Tony was a regular competitor and organiser. Initially Sam took up karting. 

The attache picture was taken at last weekends Race Retro show at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire where Sam was invited to do demonstration runs on the special stage there to promote the championship.

If this is any interest and you want anymore info please contact Tony Bilham 07967 383044